Dystopian Fiction

Book Recommendations
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When I’m in the mood for a change of genre, dystopian fiction appeals and can draw me into a visionary future. Typically, the best and worst of humanity is on display. The conditions might be caused by climatic changes or extreme political shifts around the world. Dystopian fiction usually is considered different from sci fi and fantasy. The main characters seek to survive whatever conditions they encounter while trying to either locate or create a safe place. I’ve discovered great stories written for the adolescent/teen audience, i.e. Hunger Games series long before the movies were made! If you are a fan, what “must read” titles do you recommend?

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I’m sure you have read it but I really enjoyed reading Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel. And also liked Ray Bradbury’s classic Fahrenheit 451 - although, it now feels all too real.

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I’m a real fan of dystopian fiction. @Gabi_J mentions a couple of classics, and of course there’s also A Handmaid’s Tale and 1984, both of which are really frightening, especially right now. Perhaps one of the best I’ve ever read is The Road, but I love Cormac McCarthy’s books in general (a lot of people consider them too gory, and The Road certainly has its moments). The Stand is right up there, too.

I’m having trouble thinking of any really good dystopian books that have come out in the last few years. I’m sure they’re out there, they’re just not coming to mind right now.

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Enjoyed both. Agree with current day feel of Bradbury’s classic.

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The Road was very good. Gore often happens in this genre. I don’t recall if I read The Stand so will look for a good summary. Thanks!**

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Prophet Song! It was one of our best books of the year for 2024 and won a Booker

@NanK this book was also well reviewed by BookBrowse in the past year or so:

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Thanks for both recommendations!

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An obscure dystopian title but one of my favorite books of all time is Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban. Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng is also excellent. All The Water in the World by Eiren Caffall, too, and was published this year.

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Thanks for titles. I just finished All the Water in the World. I’ll search for the other books. **

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I also just remembered Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami was a recent First Impressions book and it’s publishing next week!

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@Reid_B thanks! I’m not familiar with any of those titles. More for the list!

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I noticed this title but didn’t think it would publish soon. I’ll keep watching. Have you read it?

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I did not but reading through the responses it’s on my list!

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@NanK it certainly keep popping up! I’ve seen The Dream Hotel featured on a number of my feeds lately.

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Parable of the Sower, by Octavia Butler is a good one. Butler has a large body of work with a strong following if you like that one.

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Thanks for the title and author recommendations!

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